Page 36 of The First Spark

But this woman is a different story.

The few times I’ve dared to look into her eyes, I got lost in their depths.

I don’t lose myself to any woman.

Not after the last time.

No matter how exquisite a woman Ori may be, this ends in the morning.

There is no other option.

Chapter 8

The Morning After

Ori

Istretch, a low groan escaping my mouth at the effort. Blinking my eyes open, I scan the room, a momentary rush of panic shooting through me.

Where the hell am I?

Then I remember—the basement beneath my bookstore.

Where I spent the night with Asher Hammond.

Not justanynight, either. That man certainly lives up to his reputation, and then some.

Damn, what a talented tongue. What a talented … everything.

Glancing to my left, I see the man of the hour is still asleep, his breathing soft and even. After our second round, we created a makeshift bed on the floor, complete with couch cushions and a blanket I swiped from my decorations box.

Let’s just say it saw its share of action last night.

I skew my mouth to the side, taking a moment to drink in the man who rocked my world the night before.

“You, sir, are trouble with a capital T,” I whisper, dragging my finger down his nose and holding back the giggle when Ash grumbles under his breath.

I slide from under his arm and pad to the bathroom to assess the damage. Thankfully, my headache is tolerable, even without coffee.

Guess amazing sex cuts down on hangovers.

Flipping on the light, I glimpse my reflection and realize amazing sex does wonders forallparts of me.

Instead of looking haggard, my face is rosy, my eyes bright. Okay, my hair is a bit of a disaster, but a few pulls through my long locks help to tame the massive length.

Not too bad.

When I roll my neck to work out the kinks that set up residence, I spy Ash’s handiwork in the mirror. Large and purple, the hickey stands out in bass relief against my pale skin.

“Monster,” I mutter with a grin.

Thank God it’s winter and no one will question me wearing a turtleneck.

Spying a bottle of mouthwash, I take advantage. It’s not a toothbrush, but at least my breath won’t wake the dead.

When I exit the bathroom, Ash is awake, his head propped on his hand, a smile playing across his handsome face.

“Damn, but you’re even more beautiful in the morning.”

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